Laurence Connor: Episode Two

My guest is the award-winning musical theatre director, Laurence Connor.

In this special three-episode series, Laurence talks to me about his career – and the blockbuster productions he has directed all over the world for Cameron Mackintosh and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

These include: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Chess, Miss Saigon, Les Misérables, School of Rock, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Phantom of the Opera, Oliver! and The King and I. He is also the director of the new Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, Cinderella.

I wanted to find out how he got to where he is today, what it takes to create a critically acclaimed West End production - and the big question musical theatre actors everywhere want to know... how you get a part in one of his shows!

In this second episode Laurence talks to me about:

• When he told Cameron Mackintosh he thought The Phantom of the Opera was 'a bit stale'.
• How Cameron and he audition actors - and why Cameron sometimes 'saves you from yourself'.
• Why casting ensembles for shows is hard.
• Why he wishes every young actor could see what it's like being on the other side of the casting table.
• What he looks for when casting young performers - and his top tips for getting a part in one of his shows.
• The importance of just being yourself in auditions.
• Where the inspiration for his Jesus Christ Superstar arena tour production came from.
• The incredible story of how they found the actor who played Dewey Finn in the original School of Rock production.

Look out for episode three - when Laurence talks about his AMAZING challenge and prize. Coming soon!

THANK YOU LAURENCE!

Music credits:
"Overture" from The Phantom of the Opera 25th Anniversary concert at the Royal Albert Hall
"The Movie In My Mind" from the Miss Saigon Original Cast Album
"I Dreamed a Dream" from the Les Misérables Live! 2010 Cast Album
"When I Climb to the Top of Mount Rock" from The Original Broadway Cast of School of Rock Album
"Heaven On Their Minds" from Tim Minchin Unmasked: The Platinum Collection

Laurence's website is <HERE>

(PLEASE NOTE: AUDIO QUALITY IS VARIABLE BECAUSE OF INTERNET ISSUES DURING RECORDING)